Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10168 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 October 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 35.4 x 23.6 cm. Order a Copy
Informs General George Washington that he "shall set to work to procure...wood for the Garrison who will probably return here During the winter." Suggests someone whose term of service will soon expire to be in charge of receiving the discharges. Estimates more than five hundred such men on the returns, but states that they are unlikely to get more than three hundred and fifty working men. They have found a place where the wood may be easily attained. "The men will bring it to the foot of the mountain, and from thence it will be transported by teams if they can be procured." Goes on to discuss discharges and promotions. Encloses returns of the troops and clothing. States that the men need clothing as they only have uniforms and other clothing from last spring. Watermarked with three fleur-de-lis in a crest and a crown over lettering. Knox's retained draft.
[Draft]
West point 15 October 1783
[inserted - different hand: To W]
Sir
Yesterday I had the honor to receive your Excellencys favor of the 8th instant. In consequence of which; and one of the same date, to the quarter master General, we shall set to work to procure [inserted: fire] wood for the Garrison who will probably be retained here during the winter. This I suppose shall be performed by the men whose times of service will expire in December and January, to receive their discharges as soon as the task [strike-out] assigned them shall be finished. The number of this description upon the returns are more than five hundred; but there as so many detached duties, sick &c; [strike-out] I can not imagine that we shall get more than three hundred and fifty working men. If [struck: those] [inserted: these] should not be sufficient, we might add the men whose enlistments terminate in February
We have determined, upon the side of the mountain, on the road from this to murderers creek just beyond the block house, as the place from which the wood may be most easily obtained, all things considered - The men will bring it to the foot of the mountain, and from thence it will be transported by trains, if they can be procured. As this necessary business is very arduous, I think no other [strike-out] stimulation to its performance, in our power to offer, will be equal to [2] an anticipated discharge - And this I hope will be confirmed by your Excellencys opinion
We shall place one of the massachusetts regiments in the huts built last winter by Colonel Swifts regiment The others, we hope to be able, after the wood party shall be discharged, to put in the barracks and <?> posts.
I have permitted Colonel Crane, and Lt Colonel Huntington to retire upon the same principles as those officers who retur'd last June. It was so evident from the state of the Corps these Gentlemen were in that the service could not be insured, [struck: That] I did not hestitate to gratify them. It is probable that other officers, similarly circumstanced, may wish to retire, particularly in the connecticut regiment the most of whom [struck: who] will be discharged soon, in which case, I shall [struck: considering] consider it, conforming to your views and those of Congress to suffer them to go.
I enclose the weekly return of the troops. And I also enclose [struck: an abstract] a return of clothing wanted, according to the returns made to me. The men are now in a wretched situation, for want of warm under clothes having only the remnants of the thin overalls and waiscoats purchased by themselves last Spring. The rapid [3] advance of the winter season, will not only extremely injure their healths, but render them entirely unfit for duty, except they [struck: are] [inserted: shall be] better clad. Your Excellency must be so impressed with the necessity of this matter, that I need only mention it, to be certain of an immediate operation of your influence to obtain a supply.
I have the honor to be with
great respect
Your Excellencys
Most obedient Servant
H Knox
His Excellency Genl Washington
[docket]
To his Excellency Genl Washington
15 October 1783 -
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